Heroin addiction is one of the most serious forms of substance use disorder. As heroin is an opioid drug, it’s extremely addictive. A person can very quickly become addicted even after using the drug a few times. It has a profound effect on the brain chemistry of a person who abuses it and gives them a sense of euphoria that they wish to reclaim over and over again.
It’s also very easy for people to become dependent on heroin once they begin abusing it. This is not only because they crave that sense of euphoria it gives them but also because their dependence creates a situation where they need more in order to function. However, once a person realizes that they have a serious substance abuse problem with heroin, they might want to enter drug rehab and receive a full course of treatment to become clean. This is not easy, but it’s not impossible, either. It’s fair to wonder how long heroin rehab could take.
The Importance of Heroin Detox
The first big step toward getting heroin rehab treatment involves the detox process. This is the initial part of treatment that involves eliminating the drugs from a person’s system. It’s impossible to simply quit abusing an opioid drug like heroin cold turkey. It won’t work and it can be dangerous. Withdrawal symptoms are also significantly severe for individuals addicted to heroin compared with those whose addictions involve milder drugs.
Medication management is also used during the heroin detox process. It can help to ease the symptoms of withdrawal. Staff is also on hand all day and night to monitor people as they undergo detoxification and can assist them if they need it. The symptoms of withdrawal can range from moderate to severe as a person has all traces of heroin removed from their body. The symptoms usually start within three hours after the detox process starts. Medication management can help ease those symptoms, but it’s very common for people to experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, sweating, shaking and restlessness.
Everyone is different, even those who share in common a heroin addiction. As a result, the length of time it could take to complete detox from heroin can vary. How long it takes depends on the severity of the addiction, the length of time the person abused the drug and other factors such as their body chemistry. On average, however, most people complete the heroin detox process within four to 10 days.
It’s important to realize that heroin addiction is not simply a physical addiction; it’s also psychological. However, after detox is complete, a person can get up in the morning and not feel that familiar craving.
Entering Treatment for Heroin Addiction
Once the detox process is complete, the person is ready to move into a rehab treatment facility. Many who struggle with heroin addiction opt for inpatient treatment, which is more extensive and involves a 24/7 stay to undergo rehab. Inpatient rehab allows people to have continuous access to staff personnel who can help them when they need it. There is a better likelihood of being successful with curbing a heroin substance use disorder through inpatient treatment due to the array of services offered. People with a long-term, serious heroin addiction, those who have a higher risk of relapsing and individuals with co-occurring mental health disorders are best suited to undergo inpatient rehab treatment.
Outpatient rehab treatment is also highly effective but is not quite as extensive as inpatient. It allows people to come in for their treatment at their own time while resuming their regular daily responsibilities and returning home at home to their families. Like inpatient treatment, outpatient rehab programs can be tailored specifically toward each individual’s needs. On average, a person who is in outpatient treatment should spend at least 90 days there. However, it might not always be the best option for those who are dealing with heroin addiction.
Continuing Treatment
Therapy sessions are helpful when continuing treatment for heroin use disorder. There are options when it comes to therapy as many facilities offer individual therapy, individual cognitive behavioral therapy, family therapy and group therapy. Many people find that group therapy, in particular, is helpful due to the group setting it offers, allowing people with similar situations to share their own personal stories and give insight to others. Members are able to connect and provide each other with support as they continue on their journey and commitment to sobriety.
If you are ready to finally get help, we’re available to assist you every step of the way. Call us at 772-266-5320 to discuss your situation with one of our friendly, helpful staff members.